As the transfer deadline looms, Dundee have been thrust into the centre of speculation over what would be the most complicated deal of this window and see three players on the move.

And while there has to be questions over whether business could be completed before midnight, if it came off former Dundee United striker Simon Murray would spend the rest of the season as a Dark Blue.

That could happen if goalkeeper Scott Bain, currently on loan at Hibs from the Dens men, moves to Celtic.

Scott Bain could now be on his way to Celtic

It would also see last night’s Scottish Cup goal hero Scott Allan leave Dundee for Hibs.

This football version of musical chairs has been sparked by the long-term injury suffered by Hoops goalie Craig Gordon at the weekend.

Their manager Brendan Rodgers wants another keeper in before tonight and this
morning submitted a £375,000 bid for Motherwell’s Trevor Carson.

The Steelmen, though, are not keen to sell, largely because almost half the fee would go to his former club Hartlepool.

If they’ve rejected the offer, out-of-favour Bain is another option being considered.

Former Dundee United striker Simon Murray could now be on his way to Dundee

He only signed on loan for Hibs earlier this month and hasn’t made an appearance yet, but a permanent move to Parkhead would appeal and see Dundee picking up a nominal fee.

Suggestions are Hibs would consider cancelling his loan, but only if Dundee did the same with Allan, who’s been with them on a similar basis from Celtic.

The Easter Road outfit would then move to get him and, as a gesture to Dundee, could also be willing to let Murray come back to his home city on loan.

Since quitting Dundee United last summer, Murray has scored 14 goals in 28 appearances for the Hibees, but increasingly has been coming off the bench.